Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count criminal charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining money under false pretences and money laundering.
Nnaji was arraigned on Monday, July 13, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The anti-graft agency accused the former Minister of allegedly submitting forged academic credentials, including a University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, during his ministerial screening in 2023.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences also involve the unlawful receipt of about ₦29.5 million in salaries and other emoluments under false pretences, alongside money laundering allegations.
When the six-count charge was read in court, Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
Following his plea, his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ogwu Onoja, informed the court that a motion seeking his client’s bail had already been filed.
Counsel to the ICPC did not oppose the bail application, prompting Justice Abdulmalik to grant the former Minister bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ruled that the surety must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, while the relevant documents are to be verified by the court registrar before the bail conditions can be perfected.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until October 27 and 28, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The case follows months of controversy surrounding Nnaji’s academic credentials. The former Minister resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet in October 2025 after allegations emerged over the authenticity of the certificates he presented for public office. Prosecutors now allege those documents were forged, an accusation Nnaji has consistently denied and is contesting in court.
